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HOUSE CALL: It's time for men to take control of their health

Dr. James Melott, Shannon Family Practice
Published 2:21 p.m. CT May 13, 2019

If you're like a lot of men, you may pay less attention to your own health than to other important matters, like your job, home and family. But, you deserve good health — and a good, long life. It’s never too early or too late to do something about your health.

To start to prioritize your health, you need a primary care provider (PCP), such as a family practice or internal medicine physician, you trust. You might ask your friends for recommendations.

Here to help

Your PCP can give you regular checkups and help make sure you get the care you need, which may include:

• Health screenings. You may feel fine and you may be healthy, but some health conditions are ‘silent.’ They are present without any symptoms or issues, including high blood pressure and cholesterol. If left undiagnosed, these conditions can lead to major health problems such as heart attack or stroke. Your PCP can use screening tests to detect some diseases before they cause symptoms, when they are often easier to control or treat. For example, you may need to be screened for high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes or colon cancer.

• Vaccines. Are you due for a tetanus booster? A shingles shot? Do you get a flu vaccine every year? Getting recommended vaccinations can help you avoid painful and serious diseases.

• Advice for a healthy life. Your PCP can help with goals like eating right, exercising regularly, losing weight and quitting tobacco.

Open up

Your provider is there to help, but he or she can't do that unless you talk about sensitive topics that may be keeping you from a healthier life, such as:

• Your mental health. Do you feel sad, hopeless or disinterested in activities you once enjoyed? These can be signs of depression, which is a serious illness. Treatment helps most people with depression enjoy life again.

• Your drinking or smoking habits. It’s important to let your doctor know if you drink alcohol, smoke tobacco or use other substances. They can discuss the risks with you and share resources to help you kick the habit.

• Your energy level or sex drive. If you're tired a lot or your desire for sex has plummeted, there may be a reason, such as a low testosterone level, that can be treated.

For more information about men’s health, visit the online health library at shannonhealth.com. If you need help finding a doctor, Shannon can help simplify the process with our convenient Doctor Matchmaker service. Call 325-481-2343 for help finding the right provider for you and your family.